Plus, inside ‘secret’ admissions as sophomores

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The Report
A newsletter from The Hechinger Report
I wanted to let you know that between now and Dec. 31, The Hechinger Report's annual fundraising campaign will be in full swing. You'll be hearing from me and other Hechinger staff on why this work matters and how it’s made possible by readers (like you).

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Liz Willen Hi all –

In these dark times, I often think about the important role education can play in improving lives. It’s one reason why The Hechinger Report is committed to exposing obstacles that can derail an education, such as the little-known standard called SAP, or “satisfactory academic progress,” which is attached to nearly all federal financial aid for higher education, including grants, loans, work study and most state aid.

Turns out these somewhat vague and inconsistent requirements ([link removed]) are keeping students who might be capable of earning a degree from obtaining one. Now, there is a new movement to reform the standards – and legislators are taking notice. We’d love to hear from you about other obstacles to higher education that we might examine.

Also this week, we have the scoop about “secret” ([link removed]) – or let’s say, largely unadvertised – admission to selective colleges for sophomores, via our ongoing podcast with GBH News. And Jill Barshay ([link removed]) takes a deep look at what kind of math does – or does not – prepare students for college, from a survey of about 300 Alabama college professors who oversee majors and undergraduate degree programs at both two-year and four-year public colleges.
We also tell you what really happened ([link removed]) to all the students who were going to be held back in Tennessee, and look at a lack ([link removed]) of computer science courses for Native American students. Finally, a reminder that we need your help as a nonprofit newsroom: Please suggest that others who are interested in education sign up ([link removed]) for our free newsletters and become a member. ([link removed])

Liz Willen, Editor

Main Idea


** The hidden financial aid hurdle derailing college students ([link removed])
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Critics say requirements conditioning federal aid on ‘satisfactory academic progress’ are confusing and overly punitive. Legislators are taking notice
Reading List


** PROOF POINTS: Professors say high school math doesn’t prepare most students for their college majors ([link removed])
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Topics don’t match what non-STEM students need



** Parents feared Tennessee’s new reading law would hold back thousands of students. That didn’t happen ([link removed])
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Only around 900 students statewide will have to repeat third grade due to the state’s new literacy promotion efforts



** Native American students have the least access to computer science ([link removed])
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Only 67 percent of Native students attend a school that offers computer science. But those skills are needed to alleviate challenges facing Native communities



** OPINION: To solve teacher shortages, let’s open pathways for immigrants so they can become educators and role models ([link removed])
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We urgently need new bilingual teachers. Here are some ways to make it happen



** OPINION: Left out: Dreamers miss too many education opportunities that could change their lives ([link removed])
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All learners deserve a chance, and some new programs are giving them the boost they need
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